The Red Model
David Bernell It has been said many times, whether or not it’s been true, “As goes California, so goes the nation.” Whether the subject has been environmentalism, anti-tax sentiment, the proliferation of ballot initiatives, or the rise of the 1960’s counterculture and the backlash to it, California has developed a reputation for being first in many areas of politics and policy. Today, I expect that many Americans can only hope that Texas does not replace California as the purveyor of things to come. Over the past week, the state of Texas has approved or implemented what is likely to be seen by its supporters as the red state ideal: 1) curtailment of voting rights for those most likely to vote for Democrats, particularly people of color; 2) effectively eliminating abortion rights; and 3) permitting the further proliferation of guns. On top of this, it has been trying to keep school districts from requiring their students to wear masks in school. Even though R...